Danger: train approaching

Network Rail say that 96% of accidents at UK level crossings are caused by vehicle or pedestrian misuse. Safety improvements at level crossings require the cooperation of level crossing users as well as Network Rail. HGVs and other large vehicles pose a particular risk to rail safety. Commercial vehicles account for 10% of all accidents at level crossings, although they represent only 4% of users. The risks of a train derailment are greater with these large vehicles than with cars and vans. The risks taken by HGV drivers at level crossings include running red lights, stopping on a level crossing and failing to ensure that there is sufficient height for their vehicle where there are overhead power lines. Stopping distances for trains are long. Network Rail has launched a 'Don't Run the Risk' campaign to change the types of behaviour that cause accidents at level crossings. The campaign involves television, cinema, radio, posters and regional press, with direct mail and leaflets targeting 100 accident hotspots. The penalties for causing a train crash at a level crossing are described.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00357316
• Authors:
  • SHAKESPEARE, P
• Publication Date: 2007-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 34-5
• Serial:
  • ROADWAY
  • Publisher: ROAD HAULAGE ASSOCIATION LTD
  • ISSN: 0035-7316

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commercial vehicles; Crashes; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Railroad crashes; Railroad grade crossings; Safety
• ITRD Terms: 1643: Accident; 1661: Accident prevention; 9001: Behaviour; 9003: Cause; 9011: Design (overall design); 1772: Driver; 452: Level crossing; 1236: Lorry; 1502: Penalty; 8573: Publicity; 1665: Safety; 1268: Train; 8119: United Kingdom; 1255: Vehicle
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01089683
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Apr 5 2007 12:25PM